Tuesday, September 30, 2008

THE MOST AMAZING ARRANGEMENT OF LOCH LOMOND EVER

... can be heard here:
It's number 20, if you're feeling like looking for the phrase "Loch Lomond" is going to be too much effort. Lazy.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Church and Parents and Brothers

My pastor today scolded us for not coming to church. In church.
After that he scolded us for not worshiping, but sitting and passively listening to a sermon. During his sermon.

*serious face* Really?

Also, parents are ridiculous.
"Go pick up 300 sticks in the backyard."
It's the labour version of busywork.
It's pointless.
It's solitary.
It's dull.

My little brother is addicted to video games. He also thinks that I'm a video game god or something. That's why he always used to come to me and say "Will you show me how to [something] in my video game?" to which I would respond "Michael, I haven't played that video game since I was 12/Michael, I've never played that video game before/Michael, I don't know what the heck you're talking about." Which would be shortly followed by "But would you try it? Please? Please? Please?" etc.
In an attempt to get him to leave me alone, I told him that you can look up walkthrough guides to video games on the internet. 
I should have never told him that you can look up walkthrough guides on the internet.
Now the conversation goes like this:
"Will you look up how to [something]?"
"Michael, the point is to figure it out yorself."
"Oh, please look it up for me?"
"Michael, it won't be that specific. It gives you strategies, not specific timed instructions on how to beat [the latest bad guy]."
"Will you look anyway?"
"Michael, I looked it up for you yesterday. Don't you remember what it said?"
"Please? Again?"
"Michael, you already have a BOOK that tells you how to do it. Go read it."
"The book doesn't say how. Please?"
"Why do you think the internet would?"
"Please?"
"No."
"DAD, ROBERT WON'T LOOK UP HOW TO [something] FOR ME, TELL HIM TO DO IT."

See, it wouldn't be so bad if Michael would look it up for himself.
But he's not allowed to without somebody supervising him.
That somebody inevitably becomes me.
Which is obnoxious.

My dad reads my blog now.
Hi Dad!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

ugh.

If you find yourself wanting to buy Handel's Messiah, do not purchase the Sir Georg Solti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra version. In addition to being one of the most expensive interpretations on iTunes ($20), the soloists suck. (Exception: Kiri te Kanawa's voice is lovely. As always.)
Why didn't I get the London Symphony Orchestra version? Not only is it $8 less, it's a MUCH better interpretation. Why why why?
Never again will I not shop around first.
So... If anyone out there happens to have a good recording...
I'd love to have a copy.
I hesitate to shell out for the other one... Dad would be less than pleased, I think.

The classic Emo Post

GSE Nostalgia attacked me today. We had honors chorus auditions today, and the audition piece, "Sure on This Shining Night" by Morten Lauridsen, was sung by the GSE chorus. I saw a street called Carr Street. I saw Kiyoshi. I saw (of all things) The Grizzly Man at the video store today. The video store that wasn't carrying the two movies I was looking for that we watched at Governor's school.
I miss it painfully. Senior year has been rather underwhelming: now that I've seen the sheer awesomeness that humanity can achieve, the petty drama holds even less appeal. For those who haven't been, I don't expect you to really get just how amazing it was. For those who have, I know you're going through the same thing I am right now, so perhaps that makes it a little bit better, to know that we're commiserating. I just really want to see the many people I miss desperately.

College is looming. In addition to having to decide where to go, I also have to decide what my primary instrument will be.
May God have mercy upon my soul.
So I have to prepare three college auditions: Piano, Flute, and Voice.
In two months.
With not enough practice time.
Again, May God have mercy upon my soul.
And this audition is one that REALLY matters.
Like... for the rest of my life matters.

When I go to college, Kayla's going to go to a different college. I'm going to miss her. I don't know how that's going to work. Ideally, I'd like for us to stay friends, but I don't know how that will play out. I get that sometimes friends drift when they're separated for long periods of time. While I would rather that not happen for us, I don't know if it's going to be avoidable.
And that really sucks, because Kayla's my best friend in the whole world. I don't know what I'm going to do.

I want a boyfriend. I want a boyfriend. I want a boyfriend.
I want a boyfriend. I want a boyfriend. I want a boyfriend.
More specifically, I want a boyfriend who likes me, who I like back. Preferably a musician, so he'll understand when I disappear to practice. And preferably liking classical music, so he'll like going to see symphony orchestras with me. Preferably someone who wants me emotionally, mentally, and physically. If he likes horror/gorefest movies, he's got to be able to deal with me freaking out about them next to him. Tall is nice. Same size is also nice, especially if he has clothes I like. Muscles are nice. Singing bass is nice. Being able to sing well is nice. Having good taste in stuff in general is nice. Getting along with my friends and family is a MUST.
Cute/hot is nice, too.
As is geographical proximity.
I want a boyfriend. I want a boyfriend. I want a boyfriend.
I get that this will probably not happen 'til college.
BUT that doesn't make the wait any more pleasant.

Gah. Sorry to complain so much.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Observations

Taken during math class:
  • Mrs. London is awesome. She writes on the smartboard loudly, quickly, and with passion. Math excites her to no end, and her enthusiasm is contagious. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I'm looking forward to the Trig pizza party. Also, she likes Lipton Diet Green Tea.
  • Inevitably, you will get sick before an audition or performance. Failing that, beware bodily harm.
  • Why is the word "finite" pronounced 'faInaIt (fiyniyt, for the IPA challenged), and the word "infinite" pronounced 'Inf«nIt (ihnfihniht)? Also, why do they not teach IPA in school? I had to go find an online IPA transcriber. It was surprisingly difficult to find. In case you want it, here's the link: IPA English Dictionary
  • Perhaps there is a connection between liking math and liking music theory.
  • ***** sitting behind me and to the left is rather pretentious. Kind of like **** and *********.
  • MRS. SNOW HAS A COPY OF THE VOCAL SCORE TO HANDEL'S MESSIAH!!!!! AND SHE LOANED IT TO ME!!!!!
  • I'm a dork.
  • Honors chorus auditions are tomorrow! Cat's not auditioning. Grr. That would be so cool if everybody from school made it. Then we would totally have to stay at the hotel, instead of driving back and forth like last year. And if we stay in the hotel, me and Chelsea can hang out with GSE people! Except not Cat. Because she's not auditioning. Grr.
  • I finally got all my music from iTunes. Evelynn Glennie's A Little Prayer would be gorgeous for choir. If only I could get my hands on a copy...
  • College applications/scholarships/auditions are TERRIFYING. I wish I had more time to practice... I should be practicing now, but my parents are watching the Grey's Anatomy season premiere... And other times, Michael is sleeping, I don't get home 'til late, Dad and Elizabeth have gone to bed, or I'm doing homework. I NEED TO PRACTICE!!!!! AUGH!!!!! If only I could practice during 2nd period, instead of having to work on my online class...

Is it really so much to ask for?

Is it really so much to ask for that when I pay for something, I actually receive it?
And by "it," I mean the entire album I purchased on iTunes?
Not just the second and third movements?
I paid for the WHOLE symphony. Not half of it.

Monday, September 22, 2008

The passing of another good thing

I discovered Focus Group Podcast entirely by accident. I was on facebook one day, and I saw that a family friend had joined a group called "Focus Group Group." The name intrigued me, so I investigated. I read the description, went to iTunes, and subscribed to the podcast. I downloaded all the back episodes, and within a week and a half I'd listened to all 13 of them. (They averaged at approximately 30-40 minutes per episode.) The show consists of four twenty-somethings living in Durham, NC: Alisha, Erin, Travis, and Zak. Each episode is filled with funny anecdotes, and soon you begin to feel as if you truly know Alisha, Erin, Travis, and Zak.

However, the podcast has recently ended. After 26 episodes, Alisha went on a summer mission trip to Uganda, and is planning on going again for several years. Zak and Travis moved to New York City. Needless to say, podcasting would be rather difficult, and even if they were to do so, it wouldn't be the same. While there are podcasts out there where the different members of the show record from different geographical areas, but the sterile atmosphere pales in comparison to that of Focus Group, which was recorded with a single microphone sitting in the middle of the four friends.

Although no longer currently running, Focus Group is worth listening to. Go download ALL of the episodes. Start with the beginning, and work your way towards the end. The  journey is well worth it.

*ding* Focus Group!

The passing of a good thing.

I don't watch all that much television. I simply don't have time to. This is why I mourn the passing of one show that I follow religiously with my family: Boston Legal.

Boston Legal is a phenomenal TV show that provides intelligent, contemporary commentary on society and current events and issues. The show, while often humorous, is also frequently quite serious in nature. For the past two years, my family has sat on our couch every Tuesday (until it changed days) at 10:00 and watched Alan Shore, Denny Crane, and Shirley Schmidt fight for noble causes. 

Although Boston Legal is a brilliantly written, award-winning show, it has not attracted the audience it so deserves. Thus, tonight was the final season premiere of Boston Legal.

They say all good things must come to an end.

I suppose it is true.

Farewell.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Observations

  • What is wrong with the following phrase? "Purified Drinking Water/enhanced with minerals for fresh taste"
  • Even if it is cheesy and unrealistic, life should be like it is in August Rush.
  • The little things in life are often the most annoying. For example, almost every single time we visit First Baptist Church, they are playing a particular CD before the service, and the woman singing on the CD has the most unpleasant, off-tune, nasally, obnoxious voice I've ever heard. Words cannot describe how painful her voice is to listen to.
  • Why do people not believe that I'm gay? It bewilders me. Usually, when the general public doesn't believe someone about their sexuality, the roles are reversed, and everybody thinks they're a closet case. Why is it so backwards with me? It's actually pretty funny... Maybe I'm a little bit too straight-acting.
  • I love going on choir trips. The conversation is always so fascinating.
  • My online english class is a joke. I BS'd an essay the day before it was due, and got a 100 on it. If I'd given that paper to Mrs. Noel, she'd have bled all over it with her red pen.
  • Watching an ice cube melt is infinitely more interesting than listening to my parents discuss politics over lunch with my grandparents.
  • Perhaps the only reason I can't sing high usually is because I have a mental block about it. I hit a "C" above the staff today in my lesson when I wasn't looking at the keyboard. But like 10 minutes later, I was having my usual issues with the A-flat.
  • Graffiti is often quite humorous. Take, for example, this excerpt from a table at Macado's: "Fo a good time, call Shaniqua. Na Fa Fo- Fo Fa Na Fo."
  • To C: It could have been today.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

P

So, I wrote my essay the other day. I thought it was pretty good. Then Elizabeth took it to Pinky across the street, who is a retired English teacher.

Holy crap.

The woman is a phenomenal editor. I honestly think she tore into that paper even more than Mrs. Noel would have.

Holy crap.

Anonymous Statements

1) I hope you get that there really isn't such a thing as "starting over" when it comes to relationships. Even if you get your memory erased, some vengeful doctors assistant is going to mail you a tape of everything you forgot. (Aside: I really need to watch that movie again!) While I'm sure your intentions are noble (Or  they could be totally selfish. You could just not be able to deal with me not talking to you.), you need to know that I'm always going to remember all that awkwardness. So you've got your work cut out for you if you're serious about this "starting over" business.
God, I hope I didn't sound like you did when I told ******* I loved him.

2) You... you're different this year. I go away for six weeks, and when I come back you've become completely full of yourself. While you are certainly quite good, you are very much not perfect, so stop acting like you are. Also, what's with the little comments about people who have already graduated? You know you would have NEVER said that if you thought it could get back to her. It's not nice to belittle others to make yourself look good. Also, she'd kick your ass in a heartbeat. So stop it! She's got plenty of friends, you know. Also, don't hold your ***** up so high. You look pretentious when you do it, and it's bad for your back. I'm fairly certain that's how Kate hurt her back this summer. (Kate, if you're reading this, and that's not true, please correct me.) Just remember, slightly forward and slightly down. Not up, with elbows out. And it is unnecessary to shout instructions to the rest of the class when they're not being quiet. While you mean well, your "Stop talking!" is also talking. Instead of telling others what to do, lead by example. I'm saying all this as your friend. I miss the old you.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Fantastic

While writing my essay (read: procrastinating) I discovered this clip from SNL, where Tina Fey did an impression of Sarah Palin.
It's perfect.

ESSAY ABOUT YOURSELF

"In your own words, describe your personal  characteristics, accomplishments, primary interests, plans, and goals.  What sets you apart? Your essay should be about 500 words."

You know, the good people at the National Merit Scholarship Program have a twisted sense of humor.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Stuff

So, in (semi)recent news, our school IS NOT doing a musical this year. Due to the excessive complaints from the theatre students about the fact that they would not get to do a straight play their senior year, Mrs. Calhoun and Mrs. Snow changed their minds. Which is certainly reasonable, since if there's THIS much drama going on and they hadn't even announced the play they were going to do, then the drama once the class actually began would be unbearable.
So no musical. Oh well. Maybe I'll find a community theatre play to audition for somewhere.

In other news, our new band teacher has scheduled Saturday practices for our marching band, due to the fact that we're INCREDIBLY behind schedule. It's pretty bad. We've only got the first number on the field at the moment (and still not perfectly), and most schools have already got the entire thing on the field by now.
Yikes.
I sense stressful marching band competitions in the upcoming future.

And I'm performing tomorrow at First United Methodist Church of Mocksville. Mrs. Brewer asked me to play one of the pieces I played at my recital a few months ago, and the first thought that went through my head was, "Oh crap. I haven't played those since May." So I went to rehearse with Mrs. Basham today, (the minister of music @ FUMC) and we decided that the piece that I was going to play wouldn't be up to performance level (which is putting it nicely. Airs de Ballet d'Ascanio isn't something you can pick up after 4 months and put together with an accompanist the day before the performance.) so we picked out something else to play. Some Telemann sonatina. It's pretty.
I like it.
I'm going to get coffee now, and then go see a movie with mis amigos.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Hello, gentle readers.

Gentle Readers.
That's what my dad calls the people who read his editorials, when he decides to break the newsprint wall. Gentle Readers.
*steals idea*
So yeah, I just recently found out that there are actually people who read this.
I'm pretty excited.
I've still got a residual cough and sniffles from a few days ago, but I'm generally feeling better.
There's no real purpose to this entry, except to say:
"Hello, gentle readers."
hahahaha. I'm probably a bit too amused by this.

Random aside: Dad told me I could get 5 songs on iTunes the other day.
My selections:
The 1812 Overture- Tchaikovsky
Anything But Fine- Zox
Cathedrals- Jump Little Children
Gotta Find You- Joe Jonas (Do not laugh at me, Gentle Readers. It's not nice. I know ALL about that Aaron Carter CD you still pull out and listen to when you think nobody's around.)
Rylynn- Andy McKee

Salud.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

RRG.

I'm sick. I've got a virus.
There are no cures for viruses, except bed rest.
So I've been in bed all day. It's fairly dull. I had to skip my piano/voice lessons today.
I've not got anything else to say for today. I WOULD get sick on a weekend.
Rrg. I'm going to go read some more.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Online classes

I am taking english online. The jury is still out on whether that was a good idea or not. On one hand, some of the questions I have to answer are completely inane.
Examples:
  • Write a very long, dry sentence about a subject you are studying in another class.
  • Here is a riddle: What has a head upon which many can stand, but which cannot stand on its head? Any guesses?
  • What is mustard, botanically? Look it up in Encarta.
  • Open any other novel or short story book, at random, and select a line of dialogue. Copy it into your journal and then add this sentence: "And the moral of that is..."
  • Name 3 characters from this paragraph (from an article. Not a story. These characters were VERY briefly mentioned), and explain how they are like fairy tale creatures. What do you think a fairy tale creature is?
  • Do you like the extended metaphor used in this selection?
But on the other hand, other questions encourage intelligent thought and discussion of the topic at hand. And our reading/listening/watching materials so far include:
  • Alice's Adventures in Wonderland- Lewis Carroll
  • The Little Girl and the Wolf- James Thurber (You have to read it. Here's the link: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~lcrew/quotes/picnicba.html It's like two paragraphs total. But it's so worth it.)
  • Grammar Girl Podcast (yeah, it's about grammar. But so far it's actually pretty clever, and not dull. And it's a podcast. Podcasting in general is awesome.)
  • A TED video of David Eggers giving a presentation about his AWESOME writing workshop/pirate supply store/publishing company
So it has its pros and its cons. I'll reserve judgment as to whether I like it or not 'til a bit later.